MAPS Expeditions
Seasonal Calendar & Events
Wildlife seasons, cultural festivals, and regional events across our expedition regions. Time your trip for maximum impact.
Coast to Kingdom
KwaZulu-Natal / iSimangaliso Coast & Lesotho Highlands
Wildlife & Marine Seasons
Sardine Run — billions of sardines along the Wild Coast, feeding frenzies with dolphins, sharks, and whales
Whale season — humpback whales migrating along the KZN coast
Dry season game viewing — Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and KZN reserves at their best
Turtle nesting season — loggerhead and leatherback turtles on iSimangaliso beaches
Birding peak — migratory species arrive from Europe and Asia
Diving & snorkelling — warm-water season, ideal paired with turtle experiences
Dolphins — bottlenose and common dolphins regularly seen off the Durban coast
Festivals & Events
Durban July
Africa’s greatest horse racing event — fashion, hospitality, and networking
King Letsie III’s Birthday
National public holiday in Lesotho — parades, traditional dance (17 July)
Reed Dance (Umhlanga)
Annual Zulu cultural ceremony — one of Southern Africa’s most significant cultural events
Roof of Africa
Legendary hard enduro rally through the Lesotho Highlands
Maletsunyane Festival
Adventure festival at Maletsunyane Falls, Semonkong — abseil, music, craft
Upcoming Departures — Coast to Kingdom
26–29 Jun 2026
Decorex Cape Town week
Cool winter, ideal for indoor workshops & weaving visits
17–20 Jul 2026
King Letsie III's Birthday week
Experience Lesotho celebrations + winter artisan markets
14–17 Aug 2026
Late winter, crisp Drakensberg mornings, quiet season
25–29 Sep 2026
Spring sourcing season
Wildflowers in bloom, longer days, warmer in Lesotho
13–16 Nov 2026
Pre-holiday gifting orders
Warm & green, perfect for outdoor artisan markets
6–9 Feb 2027
New year production
Peak summer, vibrant energy, production lines active
15–18 May 2027
Post-Africa's Travel Indaba
Autumn colours, cool evenings, harvest season
Scents & Vines
Western Cape / Cape Winelands
Wildlife & Marine Seasons
Southern right whales in Walker Bay (Hermanus) — world-class land-based whale watching
Namaqualand wildflower season — one of the world’s most biodiverse floral displays
Spring fynbos in bloom — Kirstenbosch and Cape Peninsula at their most vibrant
Birding season begins — migratory species return to the Cape
African penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape fur seals at Hout Bay
Shark cage diving at Gansbaai — great white encounters
Festivals & Events
Franschhoek Cap Classique Festival
South Africa’s finest sparkling wines in the heart of the Winelands
Franschhoek Bastille Festival
French-heritage celebration with food, wine, and village festivities
Hermanus Whale Festival
The only eco-arts festival dedicated to whales — music, markets, marine life
Stellenbosch Wine Festival
The Cape Winelands’ premier wine event — tastings, vineyard tours, food pairings
Upcoming Departures — Scents & Vines
2–5 Jun 2026
Post-SAITEX
Early winter, cosy wine estate fireplaces, truffle season
9–12 Jul 2026
Durban July week
Mid-winter, whale season in nearby Hermanus
3–6 Aug 2026
Post-Decorex Joburg
Mid-winter, whale season in nearby Hermanus
18–21 Sep 2026
Spring vineyards starting to bud, fynbos in flower
5–8 Nov 2026
Pre-holiday sourcing
Warm, long evenings, Winelands at their best
22–25 Jan 2027
New year sourcing
Peak Cape summer, harvest preparation underway
16–19 Apr 2027
Post-WTM Africa
Autumn harvest, wine-pressing season, golden light
Ready to plan your expedition? Get in touch to discuss timing and availability.